Feelings & Emotions
Name 3 emotions you’ve felt today.
Tired, anxious, and hopeful.
What is a "trigger"?
A person, place, thing, or situation that causes an emotional reaction or craving.
What is a negative thought you’ve had this week?
“I’ll never get this right. I messed up, etc.”
What does “value” mean to you?
Something important that guides how I live and make choices.
Why is self-awareness important in recovery?
It helps you recognize triggers, emotions, and behaviors so you can make healthier choices.
What’s the difference between anger and frustration?
Anger is a strong feeling of displeasure, often at someone or something; frustration is usually about feeling blocked or helpless.
Name one of your personal triggers.
Being around people who are using substances.
What is “all-or-nothing” thinking?
Seeing things as either completely good or bad, with no in-between.
Name 2 things that are important to you in life.
Family, sobriety, employment, peace, honesty, etc.
What have you learned about yourself since starting recovery?
"I’m more resilient than I thought."
How can naming your emotions help you in recovery?
It helps you respond more intentionally instead of reacting impulsively.
What’s one healthy way you cope with a trigger?
"I call a support person or go for a walk to clear my head."
How can you challenge a negative thought in the moment?
Ask yourself, “Is this really true?” or “What’s another way to look at this?”
How do your values guide your recovery?
They help me stay focused on what really matters, like health and relationships.
How do you know when you're making progress emotionally?
"I respond more calmly to stress and communicate more openly."
What physical signs tell you you're feeling anxious?
Increased heart rate, shallow breathing, muscle tension, restlessness, cravings, triggers.
How can early awareness of triggers prevent relapse?
It gives you time to use coping strategies or remove yourself from the situation.
What’s the connection between thoughts and behaviors?
Negative thoughts can lead to harmful behaviors; changing thoughts can change actions.
Share a time when you made a choice that didn’t align with your values—what did you learn?
"I lied to cover up a mistake, but it damaged trust. I learned that honesty is more important."
What habits have you changed because of greater self-awareness?
"I check in with myself instead of acting on impulse."
Share a time when you misunderstood your own emotions—what was really going on?
"I thought I was angry, but I was actually feeling hurt and disappointed."
Describe a situation where you reacted impulsively—what would self-awareness have changed?
"I lashed out in anger during an argument. If I had been more aware, I could have taken a break to calm down."
Name a recurring thought pattern that doesn’t serve you—and how you’re working to change it.
“I’m not good enough.” I’m replacing it with reminders of things I’ve accomplished. Other examples.
How does knowing your values help with self-awareness and decision-making?
It keeps you grounded and helps you make choices that reflect your true self.
If you could give your past self one insight about self-awareness, what would it be?
"Pay attention to your feelings—they’re trying to tell you something important."